Horizon : Animal census
【明報專訊】Scientists in different countries count the number of animals regularly. This is called animal census. This helps them find out if there are too few or too many animals. Then, they can take action to solve the problems.
Australia
The Australian government counts specific animals every few years to keep track of their populations, either from the air or on the ground. Many of the best-known Australian animals, like kangaroos, koalas and wombats, are included. Some of them are at risk of becoming endangered, so it is important to keep track of how many are still alive and where they are going. This can help scientists make plans to protect them.
India
In India, there is a national census of tiger population called All India Tiger Estimation(AITE). It is conducted every four years. The most recent one showed that there were about 3,000 tigers in the country. Tigers in India are in danger because people are destroying their habitats and killing them for their fur. It is important to keep track of their population and protect them so that they can continue to live in the wild.
South Africa
South Africa conducts surveys for a range of wildlife species, including lions,cheetahs, elephants and rhinos. There are volunteer programmes which involve local people as well as international volunteers. These volunteers help count animals and do research. Through these programmes, volunteers can make an effort to conserve the wildlife by providing valuable data for the protection of animals.
■Gear up
1. Scientists in different countries count animals regularly to keep track of their populations. (True/False)
2. What is the name of the national census conducted in India to keep track of the tiger population?
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
census (n)……統計
risk (n)……危險
endangered (adj)……瀕臨絕種的
recent (adj)……最近的
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[Smarties' Power English 第377期]
